What does cyanoacrylate mean?
Cyanoacrylate is a noun denoting any member of a class of fast-bonding synthetic adhesives derived from acrylic acid. These compounds polymerize almost instantly when they encounter trace amounts of moisture — including the humidity naturally present on skin and most surfaces — which is why cyanoacrylate glues set in seconds and form remarkably strong bonds. The term is most familiar as the chemical foundation of household 'superglue', but cyanoacrylates also play serious roles in industry and medicine, where specially formulated grades are approved for closing wounds and surgical incisions. Chemically, the name reflects the molecule's structure: a cyano (nitrile) group attached to an acrylate backbone. In register, the word is technical rather than conversational, appearing in product specifications, laboratory reports, and engineering documentation more often than casual speech. Its accidental discovery during World War II research into clear plastics makes it one of the best-known stories of serendipity in materials science.
nounAny of a group of fast-acting synthetic adhesives that polymerize rapidly in the presence of moisture to form strong bonds; cyanoacrylates are the chemical basis of commercial 'superglues'.
- A fast-setting synthetic adhesive of the acrylate family that cures on contact with moisture; the chemistry behind 'superglue' and medical tissue adhesives.
"The surgeon used a cyanoacrylate adhesive to close the incision without stitches."
"A drop of cyanoacrylate held the broken ceramic figurine together within seconds."
"Veterinarians sometimes rely on medical-grade cyanoacrylate to seal small wounds in animals."
The plural is standard when referring to multiple distinct compounds within the class (e.g., methyl, ethyl, and butyl cyanoacrylates); the singular mass form is preferred when speaking of the adhesive generically.
"Medical cyanoacrylates are formulated to degrade safely inside the body."
Cyanoacrylate was discovered by accident during World War II, when scientists trying to make clear plastic gun sights found the stuff stuck stubbornly to everything it touched.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate combines two elements: 'cyano-', from Greek 'kyanos' meaning dark blue, referring to the nitrile (CN) group in the molecule, and 'acrylate', derived from 'acrylic acid', whose name traces back through 'acrolein' to Latin 'acer' (sharp, pungent), a reference to the compound's sharp odor. The compound class was first synthesized and recognized as an adhesive in the 1940s–1950s, notably in work by Harry Coover at Eastman Kodak. It shares the Greek root 'kyanos' with words like cyanide and cyanosis, and the acrylic root with acrylic and acrolein.
Related word forms
How cyanoacrylate is actually used
Cyanoacrylate is a technical term used mainly in chemistry, manufacturing, engineering, and medicine contexts; everyday conversation usually uses brand names like 'superglue' or generic 'super glue'. It is always a countable or mass noun referring to the substance or class of compounds.
Easily confused with cyanoacrylate
An acrylate is a salt or ester of acrylic acid used in plastics and paints, whereas a cyanoacrylate is an acrylate bearing a nitrile (cyano) group that gives it its rapid adhesive properties.